What type of insect? Small piles like coffee grounds.

Can someone help? I have been researching this myself and cannot seem to come upon a definitive conclusion. I have been finding small piles of brown "beads" that look like coffee that has been ground VERY FINE. These pile have been at the base of the frontdoor sidelight (interior and exterior -- on porch). There is a small hole in the ceiling above and they are sprinkled above the transom, which means the "droppings" came from above.

They are also "sprinkled" on a piece of furniture upstairs -- again meaning that they came from above. Our house was built in 1895, Balloon Construction, 1 1/2 story house. Tented about 11 years ago by previous owner (bond has expired). At first, exterminator said Powder Post Beetles, but after taking the "evidence" to the entamologist, they say Dry Wood Termites and the we need to TENT. Advice? Opinions? Thanks!

Howdy,Coach Dave here and I work for The Home Depot and I think I can help answer your "coffee grounds" question.

Unfortunately it sounds like you have Dry-wood termites. The "coffee grounds are fecal pellets are kicked out of the colony by workers.

Your need to take action now to minimize damage caused by the termites. If the infestation is in the early stages various sprays can be used. However if this is has been going on for a long time it may be time to call in an exterminator.

I would remove some of the wood from the area where you notice the most pellets to hopefully get an idea how extensive the damage may be.

I've been noticing these "coffee ground" looking piles on the floor around my apartment (which is in an old building) too. I am wondering if you ever figured out what insect is responsible for these piles? I went out of town for about a week and a half and just got back and realized these piles are now in four spots around my apartment instead of one. Any advice would be wonderful.

Thank you,
Gina

BV000933

01:15AM | 05/02/13

I agree with the reply from Home Depot. You've got termites. You need to call a professional for advice.

BV002126

04:20PM | 09/18/13

What kind of insect lives in the ground and makes a grater about 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep small hole in the center? They are not bees.
only about 1/8 inch in size. And how do I get rid of them????

BV006084

07:50PM | 10/21/14

Please post pictures of your finding so I can compare
Thank you

BV006089

09:55AM | 10/22/14

I am having a similar problem. I have tired everything. Clorox, RAID, Baking Soda/Water. It seems this black pile is alive with these litttle bugs (see photo) that keep coming back. I will clean this black pile and literally withing hours its back. I have never seen anything in my life grow so quickly. It seems like waste from these bugs, but how is even possible that these bugs can live and survive the constant cleaning. I am at a loss right now. Its like these things are some sort of alien species living in the silicone sealant. Please help. I dont know what to do. the bugs move very slow but are back every night. No wood this is all on granite and tile counter tops.

BV006089

09:55AM | 10/22/14

Here are the bugs associated to the above post

BV006811

12:34PM | 01/23/15

Compare it to this dropping identification chart http://www.abeepestpro.com/differences-types-of-pest-droppings-poop.htm